What is system security?

Computer systems or hardware, software, and procedure that are protected from unauthorized access and misuse of data are called systems security. All aspects of accessing information assets are covered by system security.

By guarding entry points such as doors and windows as well as the interior space, a security system keeps intruders out of a home or building. In most cases, when an intruder tries to enter the secured space, a security system's alarm is activated alerting security officials about the same. Home security systems assist homeowners in protecting their homes from intruders.

Types of system security

The types of system security are listed below.

• Physical security
• Internet security
• Network security

Physical security

The system that protects people, hardware, software, network information, and other elements that can affect the organization and its assets are called physical security.

Internet security

Internet security protects software applications, private networks that use the public internet, and also web browsers.

Network security

Network security secures the network infrastructure and the devices that are connected to it. Network security secures the devices from threats such as modifications and malicious use.

Security threats

Malware

Spyware, ransomware, viruses, and worms are examples of malevolent software. When a user clicks on a malicious link or attachment, malware is activated, and harmful software is installed. According to Cisco, once the malware is launched, it can:

• Access to critical network components(ransomware).
• Install more malicious software.
• Obtain information without being detected by sending data from the hard disc (spyware).
• Disrupt individual parts, rendering the system inoperable.

Prevention:

Install antivirus software and update the software applications periodically to prevent malware.

Emotet

Emotet is described as "an advanced, modular banking Trojan that primarily works as a downloader or dropper of other banking Trojans by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Emotet is still one of the most expensive and devastating malware.

Prevention:

Isolate the computer from the interconnected networks to stop emotet spread. Change the username and password for all the login IDs of all accounts.

Password attacks

A cyber attacker can gain access to a variety of information with the appropriate password. Data Insider defines social engineering as a "tactic cyber attackers utilize that depends primarily on human interaction and frequently entails luring people into breaching basic security standards." Accessing a password database or guessing a password are two further sorts of password attacks.

Prevention:

• Create strong passwords by following the guidelines.
• Change the password periodically.
• Never share the password.

Methods to prevent security threats

Sensors

If the security system's central control panel is compromised, sensors located both inside and outside the property will warn the security system's central control panel. Depending on the sort of system security applied, the control panel will then sound an alarm and notify either the homeowner or the authorities.

Control panels

The control panel is the principal command point for a home security system. Authorized individuals can arm or deactivate an alarm using the control panel. Individual passcodes or voice commands are frequently utilized to arm or disarm a control panel-based alarm.

Cameras and doorbells

Yard signs and stickers act as a warning system for potential burglars, while video doorbells and security cameras allow the owners to see what's going on outside your home. Its purpose is to keep the system safe.

The goal of system security is to keep information, resources, and property secure against theft, corruption, and other sorts of damage while yet allowing them to be accessible and productive. The creation and deployment of security countermeasures is part of system security. A firewall, data encryption, passwords, and biometrics are just a few of the different ways to computer system security.

Firewall

The deployment of a firewall is a common approach for improving system security. A firewall is made up of software and hardware and acts as a filter between the internal computer and the Internet. The rules for the firewall to filter out the access of undesirable incursions are set up by a computer network manager. Unauthorized access is significantly more difficult to gain with these rules in place.

For example, a system administrator can determine that only users inside the firewall have access to certain files, or that those outside the firewall have limited ability to edit the files. You can also set up a firewall on your computer, which is built into the operating system on many computers.

Encryption

The encryption process is one approach to keep files, resources, and data secure from unauthorized access. This process is frequently used when transferring data over the Internet, where it may be exploited by others. Encryption is the process of encoding messages so that only authorized people can access them. A secret encryption key is used to encrypt and decrypt the message. The encryption process is commonly employed in systems such as e-commerce and Internet banking, where the database contains highly sensitive data.

Password

Passwords are the most extensively used way to secure unauthorized access. A password is a string of characters used to verify a user's identity and get access to a system. The password must be kept private and should only be used by the designated user. As multiple people can use the same computer system, each password is associated with a distinct username.

To make computer systems secure, good passwords are required. Unfortunately, many computer users use passwords that are relatively easy to guess, such as a family member's name or crucial dates, which is not a good practice.

Data security vs System security

Data security refers to all of your organization's efforts to guarantee that the data you have isn't unintentionally deleted or updated or that it isn't accessed, manipulated, stolen, sold, or otherwise mishandled. Data security and system security are inextricably linked. The controls and precautions that an organization employs to guarantee that its networks and resources are protected from outages, interference, and malicious intrusion are referred to as system security. If data security provides protection to the information included in the library's books, system security provides protection to secure the library itself.

Context and Applications

This topic is important for postgraduate and undergraduate courses, particularly for, 

• Bachelors in Computer science engineering.
• Associate of Science in computer science.

Practice Problems

Question 1: Which of the following describes a situation in which a person is constantly followed/chased by another person or group of people?

A. Phishing

B. Stalking

C. Bulling

D. None of these

Answer: Option B is correct.

Explanation: Stalking is a general term for continuous surveillance of a target (or person) by a group of people or an individual.

Question 2: Which of the following acts as a filter between the applications on the system and the network?

A. Data filter

B. Firewall

C. Network filter

D. None of these

Answer: Option B is correct.

Explanation:  A firewall is made up of software and hardware and acts as a filter between the internal computer and the Internet.

Question 3: Unsolicited commercial email is defined as which of the following?

A. Spam

B. Malware

C. Virus

D. None of these

Answer: Option A is correct.

Explanation: It's a form of unsolicited email that's sent in mass to an indiscriminate list of recipients for commercial purposes.

Question 4: Which of the following usually monitors the victim's online activities, gathers all data in the background, and sends it to someone else?

A. Spyware

B. Malware

C. Adware

D. None of these

Answer: Option A is correct.

Explanation: It is commonly characterized as software that is designed to penetrate the target's device or computer system, collect all data, observe all user behaviors, and transfer that data to a third party. 

Question 5: _____ is a sort of software that aids in the detection and avoidance of viruses on a user's computer.

A. Malware

B. Antivirus

C. Adware

D. None of these

Answer: Option B is correct.

Explanation: Antivirus software is software that is specifically designed to assist the user's computer in detecting viruses and avoiding their destructive effects.